Bittercreek closer to racetrack return

Set to return in Group 2 Danehill Stakes

Baystone Farm alumni Bittercreek is making a very favourable impression with trackwork watchers as he prepares for his return to racing in the Group 2 Danehill Stakes (1200m) at Flemington on October 5.

One of the star juveniles of the Brisbane Winter Carnival where the Leon & Troy Corstens & Will Larkin trained colt claimed the Group 2 BRC Champagne Classic (1200m) at Doomben, Bittercreek was seen at a set of jump-outs held at headquarters on Friday 13 September where he showed blistering speed to lead all of the way.

Ridden by regular partner Blake Shinn, Bittercreek could hardly have been more impressive and received a glowing report from the world acclaimed jockey.

“Yeah guys, he trialled really well.,” Shinn commented. “It was good to have a feel of him [again] since Queensland.. I think he’s returned in really good order.”

Shinn added: “That was quite a sharp trial this morning. He had a nice blow. I think  he’ll improve off today’s trial  … we’ve still got a bit of time to the race [Danehill Stakes], but I think at this stage the horse is going really, really well.”

Bittercreek will commence his 3-year-old season a Group 2 winning juvenile only once unplaced in five starts — all of his assignments to date have been in black-type company. In addition to his Champagne Classic victory, he finished runner-up behind Broadsiding in the Group 1 J J Atkins (1600m) and to Growing Empire in the Listed St Albans Stakes (1200m), and also ran third in the Listed Talindert Stakes (1100m) on debut.

Bittercreek was catalogued to be offered by Baystone Farm at the 2023 Gold Coast 2YOs in Training Sale before being sold privately to his current ownership group. They include Rupert Legh, in whose very familiar colours he races.